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Rachel

Fall is officially here, but the weather doesn’t quite seem to have caught up. If you’re still wondering if it’s OK to wear sandals, French footwear designer Thierry Rabotin, whose shoes are all handmade in Italy, says “There is no reason to abandon your favorite sandals, especially if the weather is still warm. Weather doesn’t always follow the calendar, after all.”

Rabotin also had some thoughts on the best fall transition colors or styles to try:

(JC Penney)

Open Toe Booties: “I have honestly never understood the hesitation with this style,”Rabotin says. “They keep ankles warm and allow fresh air to reach the toes. They are an ideal transitional weather shoe.”

Shoe Transition Tip: If you’re still on the fence about shooties, try a pair in an extremely neutral (nude for your skintone) shade. Try Qupid by JC Penney.

(Harley Davidson)

Colors: That’s really up to the individual and what they prefer, whether it be neutrals, dark colors, vivids or pastels. In the end black always wins – black and navy. That’s the French in me, but you cannot go wrong with these colors worn for a monochromatic look or styled with a bold top or statement accessories.

Shoe Transition Tip: If you’re a bit bored by basic black, look for the darkest or even pearlized grey. Lug detailing is also big this season. Aranda by Harley Davidson hits all the seasonal high notes and add a bit of an edge.

(Corso Como)

Mary Janes: This is the perfect shoe to pair with a pleated skirt, blouse and nice cozy cardigan. That pretty, preppy and demure look is so classic, but you can absolutely wear Mary Janes with pants. The juxtaposition of the two styles (feminine and masculine) is a combination that gives both the shoes and pants a whole new attitude when paired together.

Shoe Transition Tip: If you’re on the fence about boots or shoes, consider a pair that combines both trends. I get slightly weepy just thinking about all the extra details on Bonsai by Corso Como including a stylish zipper and extra thick strap, which make these the least good girl Mary Janes you’ll ever wear.

(Vionic)

Booties vs. boots: Short boots are more practical than tall. You can get more use out of them as they can be paired with skirts, pants, jeans – you name it. They also make more sense under pants than tall, which could get too warm. Shorter styles also tend to be more affordable!

Shoe Transition Tip: Don’t sacrifice comfort for style on the first pair you see. I walked for about two hours in Faros Fringed Bootie by Vionic (pictured above) and while they’re not quite as comfortable as sneakers, my feet weren’t aching after a while. They’re also almost identical to a pair of fringed Gucci booties at a fraction of the price.

Shoe Transition Tip: If you’re breaking out last year’s shoes or boots, crocheted tights or over the knee socks can act as a quick update. Check out We Love Colors and Sock Dreams which both have a wide variety of styles, colors and extended sizes available.